The Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine has been called the “Gateway to the Middle Ages” by modern art historians because of its frieze, among the earliest examples of the medieval style on a prominent imperial monument. Built in 312—315 to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius, and to celebrate his co-rule with Licinius, the arch has three arched passages, the central being the largest (Figure 25.8). The arch is noteworthy for its eclectic mix of sculptural decoration. Panels were taken from monuments of the second century, roundels from the Hadrianic period, rectangular plaques from the period of Marcus Aurelius, and stuck on in the attic of the arch. Such reused stone sculpture and architectural members are known as spolia. In the Middle Ages, Greek

Figure 25.9 Siege of Verona, relief sculpture, south-west frieze, Arch of Constantine

And Roman buildings, destroyed or neglected, were excellent sources of building material for new construction; spolia were sometimes used for decorative effect.

Contemporary with the building of the Arch of Constantine, however, are the friezes just above the side arches. The frieze, in six panels on all four sides of the monument, recount the campaign of Constantine, from his departure from Milan to the Siege of Verona (Figure 25.9), the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and his addressing the Roman people in the Forum Romanum and distributing money. While the second-century sculpture is pure classical in style, with optically realistic views of the human body in action, the frieze is rigid, formally laid out with the emperor in the center. In addition, squat body proportions are used, and people are not shown as individuals, but as types. For observers since the Renaissance, it has been surprising that an emperor would choose to reject the Classical style (esteemed by western Europe since the Renaissance) in favor of what was judged an inferior medieval style. For medieval is in fact what this style is, and there is no doubt that it was sanctioned from on high. Why? The breakdown of the Classical style and the adoption of the medieval style is a great moment in the history of European art. Its explanation is not evident, but must be due to many factors at work throughout the vast empire. The change was not abrupt, and indeed Greco-Roman art continued to exert influence, to varying extents, throughout the Middle Ages. Apparently art was changing in order to reflect a new hierarchical concept of society, with the emperor firmly on top, others fixed in their particular ranks and professions. These friezes fulfill the mission of visually explaining the status of societal groups; optical realism was no longer sought.